Jeremiah 2:20-37
Q.1. What was God’s complaint against the house of Jacob? How did Israel respond to God’s chastening? What stupidity did idolatry produce? How did God drive home the impotence of idols? – (Jer.2:20-28)
God reminded Israel of how He had broken their bonds of slavery and had given them preferential treatment. However, they responded – I will not serve! For on every high hill and under every green tree you have lain down as a harlot (Jer.2:20 c.f. Jer.2:21). Israel claimed to be pure and innocent. God pronounced – “Although you wash yourself with lye and use much soap, the stain of your iniquity is before Me,” declares the Lord god (Jer.2:22). The prophet used several illustrations from nature to drive home their sinfulness. All their leaders were hopelessly addicted to infidelity and refused to listen to the prophetic word. God took note of the irrationality produced by their idolatry. They have strayed to the point where they – 27 say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ For they have turned their back to Me, and not their face; But in the time of their trouble they will say, ‘Arise and save us.’ 28 “But where are your gods which you made for yourself? Let them arise if they can save you in the time of your trouble (Jer.2:27-28). God advised them to cry out to their idols to save them from their impending doom.
Q.2. How had Israel responded to God’s prophetic Word? What was the nation’s response to God’s appeals? Why would the godless neighbours in whom Israel trusted, fail to save them? – (Jer.2:29-37)
God asked His people – 29 “Why do you contend with Me? You have all transgressed against Me,”. 30 “In vain I have struck your sons; They accepted no chastening. Your sword has devoured your prophets like a destroying lion. 31 “O generation, heed the word of the Lord (Jer.2:29-31). God accused them of spiritual harlotry, and with turning from the One Who had purchased them – My people have forgotten Me, days without number (Jer.2:22 c.f. Jer.2:33-34). He declared that – 35 Yet you said, ‘I am innocent; Surely His anger is turned away from me.’ Behold, I will enter into judgment with you because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’(Jer.2:35). God prophesied that Judah would be taken out of the land. He also pronounced judgment on the nations in whom they had trusted for protection – 36 … you will be put to shame by Egypt as you were put to shame by Assyria. 37 “From this place also you will go out with your hands on your head; For the Lord has rejected those in whom you trust, and you will not prosper with them (Jer.2:36-37).